Command 32: Forgive Offenders
Study Question
Q: In the parable of the two servants who had debts, the one with an enormous debt was forgiven by the king, but he in turn put a fellow servant into prison for not paying a small debt to him. The king then delivered this wicked servant unto tormentors “till he should pay all that was due unto him.” How could both servants ever get free from bondage? (See Matthew 18:23–34.)
A: In response to Peter’s question on how many times he must forgive an offender, Jesus gave a parable that gives rich insight on the whole matter of forgiveness.
“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him” (Matthew 18:32–34).
If the huge debt of the wicked servant was indeed forgiven, as Matthew 18:32 states, then the only outstanding debt is that of his fellow servant. This would imply that when it is paid, the wicked servant will be released from the tormentors.
This understanding fits the statement “pay all that was due unto him.” If the “him” refers to the wicked servant who owed the king, that servant can forgive his fellow servant’s debt and thereby be released. This action would be authorized by the king, who is punishing him for not having pity and compassion—not for the debt.
If “him” refers to the king, the same action can be taken. After all, the wicked servant likely used part of the money he borrowed from the king to lend to his fellow servant. Therefore, if the wicked servant forgives his fellow servant’s trespass, no outstanding debts remain. This action frees him from the tormentors and his fellow servant from debtors’ prison. In this way, both servants gain their freedom.
This confirms what Jesus stated regarding forgiveness: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matthew 18:35).
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This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 5, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.